FGM ban under threat again?!?

URGENT: In just three weeks we Gambians will have our last chance to defend the ban on cutting girls. When I was very young, I was held down while part of my genitals were cut away. That's illegal, for now. But pro-FGM leaders are attacking the ban in court. We're mobilizing to defend it, and combining a global outcry with survivors' voices could carry the day. Join us! Will you help me work towards a world where no little girls are cut and mutilated? My name is Fatou Baldeh, and when I was a little girl, I was held down on the floor while part of my genitals were cut away.  It is a moment that changes you forever. We won a ban on female genital mutilation in 2015. And, along with Avaaz, we defended it in 2024. But children are still being cut – last year, two baby girls died. Now pro-FGM advocates are attacking the ban again, this time at the Supreme Court. The final Court hearing is just three weeks away  – it's our last chance to defend the ban. And global pressure combined with the voices of Gambian survivors could make all the difference by pushing the government to stand up for its law and showing the Court that the world is watching. Sign now, and I'll work with Avaaz to bring women from all over the country to the hearing to make survivors' voices heard! And we'll flood the capital with ads and news stories so top officials know the world stands with us.

URGENT: In just three weeks we Gambians will have our last chance to defend the ban on cutting girls. When I was very young, I was held down while part of my genitals were cut away. That's illegal, for now. But pro-FGM leaders are attacking the ban in court. We're mobilizing to defend it, and combining a global outcry with survivors' voices could carry the day. Join us! SIGN NOW Dear friends, Will you help me work towards a world where no little girls are cut and mutilated? My name is Fatou Baldeh, and when I was a little girl, I was held down on the floor while part of my genitals were cut away.  It is a moment that changes you forever. We won a ban on female genital mutilation in 2015. And, along with Avaaz, we defended it in 2024. But children are still being cut – last year, two baby girls died. Now pro-FGM advocates are attacking the ban again, this time at the Supreme Court. The final Court hearing is just three weeks away  – it's our last chance to defend the ban. And global pressure combined with the voices of Gambian survivors could make all the difference by pushing the government to stand up for its law and showing the Court that the world is watching. Sign now, and I'll work with Avaaz to bring women from all over the country to the hearing to make survivors' voices heard! And we'll flood the capital with ads and news stories so top officials know the world stands with us. Protect the Ban, Protect the Girls! In The Gambia, my story is not unique. One in two girls, and more than 70% of women, have gone through this, often before they even reach the age of five. Culture is not an excuse, tradition is not a shield; this is simply violence, harm being normalised in young bodies and lives being changed forever. This moment matters far beyond The Gambia. Weakening the law could embolden efforts to roll back protections for girls elsewhere, too. Defending the ban could become a powerful example for the region. For me, this is not abstract, it is deeply personal. It is about whether we truly believe that every girl has the right to grow up safe, whole, and free from harm. I carry my story not as a burden, but as a call to action. We cannot look away. We must stand with girls, demand accountability, and ensure that the law is not just written, but lived. Please add your name and stand with us once again: Protect the Ban, Protect the Girls! We have fought tirelessly to protect Gambian girls before, and we won. Now, we need to do it one more time. Stand with me, protect the ban, and save every baby under threat. With hope and determination, Fatou Baldeh and the Avaaz team More information: Gambia's Supreme Court to Decide on FGM Ban (HRW) High Court Acquits Three Accused in Infant FGM Death Case (The Alkamba Times) Outrage as baby dies after genital mutilation in The Gambia (BBC) Female genital mutilation - a leading cause of death for girls across the world (University of Birmingham)

Avaaz is a 70-million-person global campaign network that works to ensure that the views and values of the world's people shape global decision-making. ("Avaaz" means "voice" or "song" in many languages.) Avaaz members live in every nation of the world; our team is spread across 18 countries on 6 continents and operates in 22 languages. Learn about some of Avaaz's biggest campaigns here, or follow us on Facebook, X, or Instagram. You became a member of the Avaaz movement and started receiving these emails when you signed "Community Petitions Site" on 2016-12-07 using the email address statusgps@gmail.com. To ensure that Avaaz messages reach your inbox, please add avaaz@avaaz.org to your address book. To change your email address, language settings, or other personal information, contact us, or simply go here to unsubscribe. To contact Avaaz, please do not reply to this email. Instead, write to us at www.avaaz.org/en/contact . Avaaz Foundation ℅ Sayer Vincent LLP 110 Golden Lane London, England EC1Y 0TG Avaaz Foundation c/o Servcorp 1330 6th Avenue Suite 23A New York, NY 10019 USA

Stealing Palestine

In just a few days, Avaazers will join prominent flotilla activists in a striking act of resistance in Brussels as leaders negotiate an import ban on Israel’s illegal settlement goods. Europe has the power to do this, but it needs to feel the public’s pressure. Sign now to stand with Avaazers on the ground and carry the power of our global call into the negotiating room! SIGN NOW! Below is more information about this key issue: This week, Israel could face real consequences for its push towards total West Bank annexation and the horrific wave of settler violence against Palestinian families. EU leaders will discuss Israel — that’s a huge opportunity to demand a ban on imports from illegal settlements. Over 85 nations have spoken out, but words are not enough. Sign and share widely now — let’s make our call huge before we deliver it into the meeting: Israel is accelerating the de facto annexation of the West Bank under a state-sanctioned plan, in blatant violation of international law. The occupation is displacing Palestinian families and seizing homes as settler violence spirals: in recent months, Israeli settlers have uprooted hundreds of olive trees, attacked Palestinian villages, burned homes and vehicles, and killed at least 16 Palestinians. One man was sexually assaulted in front of his family, and several women and girls were brutally beaten. But it doesn't have to be like this — a future where Palestinians live safely on their own land, free to grow, build, and thrive is still possible! Let’s fight for that future. Nine countries have already sanctioned the architects of annexation — it’s time to go further. If we act now, we can push a critical mass of countries to freeze all imports from illegal settlements and pass sweeping sanctions, making this violent takeover too costly to continue. Add your name now, and when our call is huge, Avaaz will make this big in the media and in Brussels:

In just a few days, Avaazers will join prominent flotilla activists in a striking act of resistance in Brussels as leaders negotiate an import ban on Israel’s illegal settlement goods. Europe has the power to do this, but it needs to feel the public’s pressure. Sign now to stand with Avaazers on the ground and carry the power of our global call into the negotiating room! SIGN NOW! Below is more information about this key issue: This week, Israel could face real consequences for its push towards total West Bank annexation and the horrific wave of settler violence against Palestinian families. EU leaders will discuss Israel — that’s a huge opportunity to demand a ban on imports from illegal settlements. Over 85 nations have spoken out, but words are not enough. Sign and share widely now — let’s make our call huge before we deliver it into the meeting: Sign Now Dear Friends, Israel is accelerating the de facto annexation of the West Bank under a state-sanctioned plan, in blatant violation of international law. The occupation is displacing Palestinian families and seizing homes as settler violence spirals: in recent months, Israeli settlers have uprooted hundreds of olive trees, attacked Palestinian villages, burned homes and vehicles, and killed at least 16 Palestinians. One man was sexually assaulted in front of his family, and several women and girls were brutally beaten. But it doesn't have to be like this — a future where Palestinians live safely on their own land, free to grow, build, and thrive is still possible! Let’s fight for that future. Nine countries have already sanctioned the architects of annexation — it’s time to go further. If we act now, we can push a critical mass of countries to freeze all imports from illegal settlements and pass sweeping sanctions, making this violent takeover too costly to continue. Add your name now, and when our call is huge, Avaaz will make this big in the media and in Brussels: Defend the West Bank now The annexation plan has been condemned worldwide, including by the United States — and momentum is building for even more countries to sanction extremist Israeli ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. But words alone won't stop Netanyahu’s cabinet. Without concrete consequences, they will keep rewriting reality on the ground. We can force more states to freeze all settlement trade and widen sanctions to every official who voted for annexation. Under international law, transferring civilians into occupied territory isn’t just illegal — it is a war crime, and these leaders bear personal responsibility. Sanctioning cabinet members would send a clear signal: violating international law carries political and economic costs. If countries like Spain and France lead, others may follow — multiplying the pressure. The movement against genocide in Gaza shows that governments will move when they face massive, unrelenting pressure from citizens around the world. Sign now: Defend the West Bank now In times like this, it’s easy to feel helpless. But when people rise, they can change history. By standing together today, we can help trigger a global chain reaction that forces the Israeli government to halt this illegal takeover. Sign and share widely. With hope and determination, Mo, Lily, Nax, Pascal and the rest of the Avaaz team More information: Palestine: Killings, destruction and settler encroachment continues (UN News) Israel’s settlement expansion drives mass displacement in West Bank  (OHCHR) Ireland calls for EU-wide ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements (AA) EU agrees to place fresh sanctions on extremist Israeli settlers (The Irish Times)

Avaaz is a 70-million-person global campaign network that works to ensure that the views and values of the world's people shape global decision-making. ("Avaaz" means "voice" or "song" in many languages.) Avaaz members live in every nation of the world; our team is spread across 18 countries on 6 continents and operates in 22 languages. Learn about some of Avaaz's biggest campaigns here, or follow us on Facebook, X, or Instagram. You became a member of the Avaaz movement and started receiving these emails when you signed "Community Petitions Site" on 2016-12-07 using the email address statusgps@gmail.com. To ensure that Avaaz messages reach your inbox, please add avaaz@avaaz.org to your address book. To change your email address, language settings, or other personal information, contact us, or simply go here to unsubscribe. To contact Avaaz, please do not reply to this email. Instead, write to us at www.avaaz.org/en/contact . Avaaz Foundation ℅ Sayer Vincent LLP 110 Golden Lane London, England EC1Y 0TG Avaaz Foundation c/o Servcorp 1330 6th Avenue Suite 23A New York, NY 10019 USA

Trump Island

Ivanka Trump and her husband are about to turn one of the last preserved islands in the Mediterranean into a huge private resort, destroying natural habitats home to seals, flamingos and turtles. Local Albanians are fighting this corporate takeover alone. We can't let them lose. Sign and share to pressure Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama: Protect Sazan Island from the Trumps! A few days ago, when locals went out for a walk along the pristine beach on Albania’s southern coast, they found large, barbed-wire-topped fences blocking their path. Heavy machinery was already tearing into the sand. When citizens stood up to the private guards, they were violently dragged away. That’s when the protests erupted. Nature is for everyone to enjoy, not a luxury commodity to be sold off to the highest bidder. And right now, Albanians are fighting for that right alone against one of the richest families in the world, the Trumps. Let’s join their calls and help them deliver a massive victory for nature. When we hit 500,000 signatures, we'll make sure Prime Minister Edi Rama sees it and demands a total halt to the project.

Ivanka Trump and her husband are about to turn one of the last preserved islands in the Mediterranean into a huge private resort, destroying natural habitats home to seals, flamingos and turtles. Local Albanians are fighting this corporate takeover alone. We can't let them lose. Sign and share to pressure Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama: Protect Sazan Island from the Trumps! SIGN NOW Dear friends, A few days ago, when locals went out for a walk along the pristine beach on Albania’s southern coast, they found large, barbed-wire-topped fences blocking their path. Heavy machinery was already tearing into the sand. When citizens stood up to the private guards, they were violently dragged away. That’s when the protests erupted. Nature is for everyone to enjoy, not a luxury commodity to be sold off to the highest bidder. And right now, Albanians are fighting for that right alone against one of the richest families in the world, the Trumps. Let’s join their calls and help them deliver a massive victory for nature. When we hit 500,000 signatures, we'll make sure Prime Minister Edi Rama sees it and demands a total halt to the project. Sign now - Protect Sazan Island from the Trump family! As we write this, pressure is growing in Albania: Protests have been held around Albania and the country’s Special Anti-Corruption Prosecution Office has opened an investigation into changes to the area's protected status and land ownership in 2024, which paved the way for tourism development. Campaigns like this have worked in the past. Just last week in Mexico, a mega-tourist project like this was cancelled after massive citizen outcry. Because we believe in a future where nature is protected, communities are consulted, and our planet's last pristine places are safeguarded. Let’s give these brave citizen protests a second wind with thousands of signatures from all over the world. Together, let's stop Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner's project for good! Sign now - Protect Sazan Island from the Trump family! From Patagonia to Kenya, all around the world, the ultra-rich are trying to monopolise our natural treasures, destroying crucial natural habitats in their path. Money is loud, but we, the people, can be louder. Let’s rise up and defend what belongs to all of us, together.  With hope and determination, Julian, Harriet, Marco, Lilian, Chris, Marie, Bieta and the whole Avaaz team More information: Albania Gives Jared Kushner Hotel Project a Nod as Trump Returns (The New York Times) Protests in Albania grow over Jared Kushner-backed luxury resort (The Guardian) What to know about the growing opposition to Trump family-linked resort in Albania (AP)

Avaaz is a 70-million-person global campaign network that works to ensure that the views and values of the world's people shape global decision-making. ("Avaaz" means "voice" or "song" in many languages.) Avaaz members live in every nation of the world; our team is spread across 18 countries on 6 continents and operates in 22 languages. Learn about some of Avaaz's biggest campaigns here, or follow us on Facebook, X, or Instagram. You became a member of the Avaaz movement and started receiving these emails when you signed "Community Petitions Site" on 2016-12-07 using the email address statusgps@gmail.com. To ensure that Avaaz messages reach your inbox, please add avaaz@avaaz.org to your address book. To change your email address, language settings, or other personal information, contact us, or simply go here to unsubscribe. To contact Avaaz, please do not reply to this email. Instead, write to us at www.avaaz.org/en/contact . Avaaz Foundation ℅ Sayer Vincent LLP 110 Golden Lane London, England EC1Y 0TG Avaaz Foundation c/o Servcorp 1330 6th Avenue Suite 23A New York, NY 10019 USA